What to Pack for Coachella: The Ultimate Festival Packing List
Heading to Coachella? From cute festival outfits and beauty essentials to the little things you’ll wish you brought, here’s everything you need on your Coachella packing list!
So you’re going to Coachella?! First of all, SO exciting! Between planning your outfits, booking accommodations, and counting down the days until you’re dancing in the California desert, there’s a lot to think about. I was lucky enough to attend Coachella with my friend Meghan, and let me tell you, packing for a music festival is a little different than packing for your average vacation. Between the desert heat, long days on your feet, and cooler evenings, you’ll want to come prepared. I’ve put together the ultimate Coachella packing list to help you look cute, stay comfortable, and enjoy every second of your festival weekend!
The Ultimate Coachella Festival Packing List
1. Cute and Comfortable Coachella Outfits
Let’s start with the most exciting part: THE OUTFITS! Coachella is basically the Super Bowl of festival fashion, and it’s your chance to have a little fun with your personal style. Think crochet tops, denim shorts, flowy dresses, fringe, statement accessories, and anything that makes you feel amazing. I recommend planning three complete outfits ahead of time, including shoes and accessories, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. Just remember that comfort is KEY when you’re spending hours walking around in the desert. Need outfit inspiration? Check out my Coachella outfit ideas under $50, festival outfit ideas, and how to style lace and fringe.
2. Comfortable Shoes You Can Walk in All Day
I cannot stress this enough: DO NOT wear brand-new shoes to Coachella! You’ll be walking, standing, and dancing for hours, and the last thing you want is painful blisters ruining your weekend. Comfortable sneakers, broken-in boots, or supportive sandals are your best friends. If you’re wearing cowboy boots, make sure you’ve tested them out beforehand. Trust me, your feet will thank you!
3. Sunscreen and SPF Lip Balm
The California desert sun is no joke, and you’ll be spending most of your day outdoors. Pack a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and reapply regularly, especially if you’re sweating. Don’t forget an SPF lip balm, because sunburned lips are NOT the souvenir you want to bring home. I also recommend bringing a travel-size sunscreen that’s easy to carry in your festival bag, as long as it meets the event’s permitted-items rules.
4. Sunglasses and a Cute Hat
A cute pair of sunglasses is practically a Coachella requirement! Not only do they complete your festival outfit, but they also protect your eyes from the bright desert sun. Look for sunglasses with UV protection and consider packing a backup pair in case yours get lost or broken. A lightweight hat is another great addition to your Coachella packing list, especially during those hot afternoon performances.
5. A Portable Phone Charger
Between filming TikToks, taking Instagram photos, checking performance schedules, and texting your friends, your phone battery is going to be working OVERTIME. A fully charged portable power bank is one of the most useful things you can bring to Coachella. Make sure you charge it every night so you’re ready for another full day of festival fun. I’d also recommend saving important travel information and your hotel address to your phone before heading out.
6. A Small Festival-Approved Bag
You’ll want something lightweight and comfortable to carry your daily essentials without weighing you down. A small crossbody bag or belt bag is perfect for keeping your phone, sunscreen, lip balm, and other necessities close by. Before choosing your bag, check the current Coachella bag policy to make sure it meets the festival’s size and style requirements. Bonus points if your bag is cute enough to complement all three of your festival outfits!
7. A Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated at Coachella is SO important. Between the desert temperatures, dancing, and spending hours outdoors, it’s easy to become dehydrated without realizing it. Bring a reusable water bottle that meets the festival’s current rules and refill it regularly at designated water stations. Remember to take breaks in shaded areas and listen to your body if you’re feeling overheated. Staying hydrated isn’t glamorous, but neither is spending your festival weekend feeling miserable!
8. Hair and Makeup Essentials
Coachella is the perfect excuse to experiment with fun festival hairstyles and makeup looks, but you’ll want products that can survive the heat. Think waterproof mascara, lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer, setting spray, dry shampoo, and hair ties. I recommend keeping your daytime makeup fairly lightweight and saving the extra glam for statement accessories or fun eye makeup. If you love boho-inspired beauty looks, check out my Coachella-inspired makeup tutorial and DIY floral halo tutorial.
9. A Light Jacket for Cooler Evenings
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when packing for Coachella is assuming the desert stays hot all night. While daytime temperatures can be scorching, evenings can feel surprisingly chilly, especially after spending hours in the sun. Pack a lightweight jacket, oversized denim shirt, or comfortable layering piece that works with your festival outfits. You’ll be happy you brought it when the sun goes down and you’re waiting for the headlining performance!
10. Hand Sanitizer and Personal Essentials
Let’s talk about the not-so-glamorous festival essentials that can make your weekend SO much easier. Hand sanitizer, tissues, feminine hygiene products, blister bandages, and any necessary medications are all worth packing. You’ll also want to bring your identification, festival wristband, and any important travel documents. Keep your valuables secure and avoid carrying anything you don’t actually need. The less you’re worrying about your belongings, the more time you can spend enjoying the music!
11. Swimsuits and Poolside Essentials
If you’re staying at a hotel or vacation rental with a pool, don’t forget your swimsuit! One of the best parts of turning Coachella into a girls’ getaway is having a little downtime between festival activities. Pack a cute swimsuit, cover-up, sandals, and a beach tote for relaxing by the pool. Just make sure you don’t spend too much time in the sun before heading to the festival. Three days of dancing with a sunburn? No thank you!
12. Travel Essentials for Your California Getaway
If you’re flying to Coachella, make sure your packing list includes everything you need for the rest of your trip. Think comfortable airport outfits, pajamas, toiletries, chargers, travel documents, and a few casual outfits for exploring Palm Springs or grabbing brunch with your girlfriends. I also recommend leaving a little extra room in your suitcase for souvenirs or any shopping you might do while you’re there. If you’re planning a longer California adventure, check out my California road trip inspiration.
The Ultimate Coachella Packing Checklist
Before you zip up your suitcase, double-check that you’ve packed everything you need for your festival weekend!
Festival Outfits & Accessories
- Three complete Coachella outfits
- Comfortable sneakers or broken-in boots
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Lightweight jacket or layering piece
- Festival-approved crossbody bag
- Jewellery and accessories
- Swimsuit and cover-up
- Comfortable travel outfits
Beauty & Personal Care
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
- SPF lip balm
- Makeup and makeup remover
- Setting spray and dry shampoo
- Hairbrush, hair ties, and styling products
- Deodorant and toiletries
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
- Feminine hygiene products
- Blister bandages
- Personal medications
Festival & Travel Essentials
- Festival wristband
- Government-issued photo ID
- Phone and charging cable
- Portable phone charger
- Reusable water bottle, if permitted
- Hotel and transportation confirmations
- Payment card and some backup funds
- Earplugs for loud performances
- Travel documents, if applicable
Always check the official Coachella website for the latest festival rules and permitted items before packing your day bag.
What NOT to Bring to Coachella
As tempting as it is to pack your entire closet, there are a few things I’d recommend leaving behind. Skip uncomfortable heels, brand-new shoes, expensive jewellery, oversized bags, and anything you’d be devastated to lose. You’ll also want to avoid bringing prohibited items, including anything that doesn’t meet the festival’s current security guidelines. My biggest advice? Pack light for each festival day and focus on bringing items that are actually useful. You’ll be spending hours walking around, and carrying unnecessary stuff gets old FAST.
More Coachella Tips & Festival Fashion Inspiration
Looking for more Coachella outfit ideas, beauty tutorials, and festival travel inspiration? Check out these popular posts on Mash Elle!
